Four Things to Avoid When Encouraging Senior Independence

Aging
people are often faced with a dilemma: how can they go about living an
independent life when factors related to their age or health challenge their
abilities to be as self-reliant as they are accustomed to?

While
many older adults are trying their best to live as independently as possible,
their family and loved ones often unintentionally discourage these
independence-seeking seniors from living as self-sufficiently as they could.
Here are a few things to avoid when encouraging senior independence.

1. Not allowing them
to do things on their own

Loved
ones will often take on many daily tasks for their aging family member or
friend, including simple personal care responsibilities, in an effort to make
their daily lives easier. However, sometimes the tasks caregivers take on are
ones that the older adult is still fully able to do. While the intentions are
pure, it often causes seniors to feel less capable and self-reliant than they
truly are. If your loved one can safely complete a task on their own, you
should continue to let them do so, but simply offer your help should they ever
need assistance in the future.

2. Doing things for
our aging loved ones, instead of with them

When
older adults can’t accomplish tasks completely by themselves, caregivers may
try to complete the chore for them and take them out of the picture entirely.
However, if a senior can help in any way – whether it’s with personal hygiene,
cooking or balancing a checkbook – taking away their opportunity to participate
could make them feel helpless. Whenever possible, work together to accomplish
chores that your loved one needs assistance with, instead of taking on the task
entirely by yourself.

3. Refusing to modify their
environment

In
its current state, your loved one’s home may be challenging their abilities to
live comfortably and without major assistance. Instead of immediately assuming
they need your help, consider what modifications can be made and what adaptive
equipment can be added to help them accomplish their daily tasks. For example,
adding a chair to a shower can make it easier for an older adult to bathe. If
they are still able to walk but aren’t as confident on their feet as they used
to be, handrails can be added to the walls to help your loved ones stabilize
themselves when walking.

4. Not supporting their
desire to maintain an active schedule

Just
because a loved one is aging doesn’t mean they should have to sit at home all
day. While it’s not unusual to worry about an aging person overexerting themself,
remember that having an active social life and schedule can help seniors stay
healthy and happy longer than if they were isolated.

Whether
they enjoy playing card games with friends, going bowling or going out to eat,
older adults are most happy - and feel self-sufficient – when they are able to
choose and participate in the activities they enjoy the most.

What
are you doing to encourage independence among your older loved ones?